MANILA — The Philippines’ top labor official for overseas workers personally checked on Filipino crew members aboard an international cargo vessel during a port visit in Vancouver, Canada, the Department of Migrant Workers said Monday.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac visited the 22-member crew of the Tauranga Maersk, 16 of whom are Filipino nationals, as part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s official delegation to Canada from July 1–4.
During the port call, Cacdac heard the seafarers’ concerns, discussed their working conditions, and briefed them on government programs including upskilling and career development initiatives offered through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Maritime Industry Authority.
He also pledged broader support extending beyond workplace issues.
“We understand the challenges of working far from your families. If you have any concerns, especially those involving your loved ones back home, please let us know,” Cacdac said. “The DMW is ready to assist you through our 16 regional offices and 42 overseas operating posts, including the MWO and OWWA offices here in Vancouver.”
Separately, Cacdac made a courtesy call to the Mission to Seafarers in Vancouver, where he met with Senior Port Chaplain Reverend Peter Smyth. He thanked the organization — which provides transiting international seafarers with welfare services, chaplain care, emergency support, and ship visit assistance — for its ongoing partnership with the DMW and the Migrant Workers Office in Vancouver.
“The physical and spiritual health concerns are very important to our Filipino seafarers, and we are glad to have the Mission to Seafarers as our partner in providing care, counseling, and support to them while on port call,” he said.
The vessel’s master, D.G. Dsouza, welcomed the Philippine delegation and praised the Filipino crew members for their competence, professionalism, and leadership potential, while commending the Philippine government’s commitment to protecting its seafarers abroad.
The Philippines is one of the world’s largest suppliers of maritime labor, with hundreds of thousands of Filipino seafarers deployed on international vessels at any given time.
